UN Human Rights Council Condemns Iran Over Strait of Hormuz Restrictions
The UN Human Rights Council has condemned Iranian restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz and denounced attacks by the Islamic Republic against Gulf countries and Jordan. The condemnation came during an urgent debate held in Geneva on Wednesday, March 25, 2026.
Resolution Details
In a resolution approved by consensus, the Council condemned any Iranian maneuver to “close, obstruct or interfere” with maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz. It also strongly denounced attacks by Iran in the region and expressed concern about strikes against energy sites. The resolution further denounces all violations of international humanitarian law (IHL) and human rights, calling for “rapid” and “adapted” reparations for damage caused by Tehran Swissinfo.
Escalating Regional Tensions
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, warned that states are “flirting with total catastrophe” due to increasing missile launches, highlighting the danger to the entire Middle East and beyond. Türk also deplored growing attacks against residential areas in Iran, noting nearly 1,500 deaths in Iran and a thousand in Lebanon due to Israeli strikes UN News.
The consequences of the conflict are also being observed in Syria, Iraq, and the Palestinian territories.
Iran’s Response and Counterclaims
Iranian Ambassador Ali Bahreini, speaking before the Council, warned neighboring countries against Israel and the potential dismantling of the regional order, stating, “After Iran, you will grow more accessible targets.”
Switzerland’s Position
Switzerland expressed “serious” concern regarding the security of Gulf countries and Jordan. Bern reiterated its view that both the United States and Israel violate the principle of non-recourse to violence, although also acknowledging that Tehran exceeds the right to self-defense. Switzerland also emphasized that questions of peace and security should be addressed by the UN Security Council in New York Swissinfo.
Switzerland also noted that the resolution does not fully reflect all aspects of the conflict, a sentiment shared by other countries regarding the reference to peace and security violations, which fall under the purview of the UN Security Council.
Further Debate Planned
Iran, along with its allies China and Cuba, has countered the resolution and requested another urgent debate scheduled for Friday morning WNC.
Strait of Hormuz Remains Open to “Non-Hostile” Vessels
Amidst these tensions, Iran has informed the UN maritime agency that the Strait of Hormuz remains open to “non-hostile” ships not associated with the US and Israel UN News. This comes as the conflict enters its 26th day, with ongoing strikes in Israel and Iran, including intensifying Israeli attacks against Hezbollah targets in Lebanon, and the deployment of some US troops to the region UN News, Al Jazeera.